Low pH Skin Care Composition and Methods of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an efficacious, low-pH skin care composition that provides good sensory properties and has a low skin irritation potential. The low-pH composition includes an effective amount of a vitamin B 3  compound and, optionally, one or more additional skin care actives to provide a skin health and/or appearance benefit. The low-pH composition also includes a salt/acid pH buffer system, an acid tolerant polymeric thickener and, optionally, a silicone fluid having a kinematic viscosity of 100 cSt or less at 25° C. The pH of the low-pH composition can range from 2.0 to 5.0.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to buffer systems for low-pH skin care compositions, which in turn provide desirable skin sensory properties, good efficacy, and have a low potential for skin irritation. More specifically, the present invention relates to low-pH skin care compositions comprising a suitable acid/salt buffer system, a pH-stable polymer thickener, and a vitamin B₃ skin care active.

BACKGROUND

Skin is the first line of defense against environmental insults that would otherwise damage sensitive underlying tissue and organs. Additionally, skin plays a key role in a person's physical appearance. Not surprisingly, most people would like to have heathy, younger looking skin that provides good barrier protection. And for some people, the tell-tale signs of skin aging such as thinning skin, wrinkles, and age spots are an undesirable reminder of the disappearance of youth. As a result, numerous skin care products are marketed to treat a variety of actual or perceived skin conditions, especially those associated with aging and dryness. Conventional skin care products typically include one or more ingredients for treating a skin condition of interest. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,528 discloses the use of niacinamide for treating signs of skin aging.

Typically, cosmetic compositions are formulated to have a slightly acidic to neutral pH (i.e., 5.0-7.0), which is believed to improve the stability of certain ingredients in the composition (e.g., niacinamide, salicylates, and neutralized thickeners). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,666 discloses the challenges of formulating low-pH skin care compositions. However, formulating a skin care composition at low pH (e.g., 2.0-5.0) may also provide certain benefits such as bolstering the acid mantle of the skin, exfoliating the skin, improving skin texture, and/or providing flexibility in product formulation.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a stable, efficacious, low-pH skin care composition that includes a suitable acid/salt buffer system. It would also be desirable provide a low-pH skin care composition that provides desirable sensory properties and does not irritate skin. It would further be desirable to provide a low-pH skin care composition that improves the appearance of skin.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a low-pH skin care composition, comprising about 0.1% to 10% of a vitamin B₃ compound; about 0.1% to 5% of a pH buffer comprising gluconic acid and sodium gluconate; about 0.1% to 5% of a polymer thickener comprising at least one of sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and polyacrylate crosspolymer-6; and wherein pH of the compositions is between about 2.0 and about 5.0. In some embodiments, the low-pH skin care composition is an essence that has a viscosity of about 1 cP to about 300 poise at 25° C. Also disclosed is a method of cosmetically treating skin, comprising identifying a target portion of skin where treatment is desired; and applying an effective amount of the composition of claim 1 to the target portion of skin over the course of a treatment period, wherein the composition does not irritate the target portion of skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE illustrates the results of the TRPV1 activation assay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventional skin care products are typically formulated at neutral pH for a variety of reasons. For example, some conventional skin care products, if formulated at low pH, would have undesirable sensory properties (e.g., runny or sticky feeling) and/or exhibit instability (phase separation, cloudiness etc.). More recently, it has been found that certain skin care ingredients such as vitamin B₃ compounds and saccharides may be more efficacious at low pH, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,398. However, formulating low-pH skin care products can still be challenging. For example, some thickeners that are tailored for use in low-pH compositions, such as those described in WO20190245011, may impart an undesirable tackiness when applied to skin. In some instances, a low-pH skin care product may be more likely to cause skin irritation in certain users (e.g., itching, burning, tingling, redness, discoloration, rash, bumps, or peeling). Surprisingly, it has now been discovered that a low-pH skin care composition that includes a vitamin B₃ skin care active, a low-pH tolerant polymeric thickener, and a suitable salt/acid pH buffering system can provide an efficacious skin care product that does not irritate the skin and has better sensory properties than current low-pH skin care products.

Reference within the specification to “embodiment(s)” or the like means that a particular material, feature, structure and/or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment, optionally a number of embodiments, but it does not mean that all embodiments incorporate the material, feature, structure, and/or characteristic described. Furthermore, materials, features, structures and/or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner across different embodiments, and materials, features, structures and/or characteristics may be omitted or substituted from what is described. Thus, embodiments and aspects described herein may comprise or be combinable with elements or components of other embodiments and/or aspects despite not being expressly exemplified in combination, unless otherwise stated or an incompatibility is stated.

In all embodiments, all percentages are by weight of the cosmetic composition, unless specifically stated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated otherwise. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The number of significant digits conveys neither a limitation on the indicated amounts nor on the accuracy of the measurements. All numerical amounts are understood to be modified by the word “about” unless otherwise specifically indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements are understood to be made at approximately 25° C. and at ambient conditions, where “ambient conditions” means conditions under about 1 atmosphere of pressure and at about 50% relative humidity. All numeric ranges are inclusive of narrower ranges; delineated upper and lower range limits are interchangeable to create further ranges not explicitly delineated.

The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, the essential components as well as optional ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or component may include additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Definitions

“Apply” or “application”, as used in reference to a composition, means to apply or spread the compositions of the present invention onto a human skin surface such as the epidermis.

“Cosmetic agent” means any substance, as well any component thereof, intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, introduced into, or otherwise applied to a mammalian body or any part thereof to provide a cosmetic effect. Cosmetic agents may include substances that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration, food additives, and materials used in non-cosmetic consumer products including over-the-counter medications.

“Effective amount” means an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to induce a positive benefit to keratinous tissue over the course of a treatment period. The positive benefit may be a health, an appearance, and/or a feel benefit, including, independently or in combination, the benefits disclosed herein. The effective amount of a compound or composition may be demonstrated using ex vivo and/or in vitro methods.

“Improve the appearance of” means providing a measurable, desirable change or benefit in skin appearance, which may be quantified, for example, by a decrease in redness, inflammation, and/or plaque scales.

“Low pH” means a pH of less than 5.0 (e.g., 1.5 to 4.9, 2.0 to 4.5, 2.5 to 4.3, or 3.5 to 4.0).

A suitable method of determining the pH of a composition is described in more detail below.

“Neutral pH” means a pH of between 5.0 and 8.0.

“Skin care” means regulating and/or improving a skin condition. Some nonlimiting examples include improving skin appearance and/or feel by providing a smoother, more even appearance and/or feel; increasing the thickness of one or more layers of the skin; improving the elasticity or resiliency of the skin; improving the firmness of the skin; and reducing the oily, shiny, and/or dull appearance of skin, improving the hydration status or moisturization of the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles, improving skin exfoliation or desquamation, plumping the skin, improving skin barrier properties, improve skin tone, reducing the appearance of redness or skin blotches, and/or improving the brightness, radiancy, or translucency of skin.

“Skin care active” means a compound or combination of compounds that, when applied to skin, provide an acute and/or chronic benefit to skin or a type of cell commonly found therein. Skin care actives may regulate and/or improve skin or its associated cells (e.g., improve skin elasticity, hydration, skin barrier function, and/or cell metabolism).

“Skin care composition” means a composition that includes a skin care active and regulates and/or improves skin condition.

“Treatment period,” as used herein, means the length of time and/or frequency that a material or composition is applied to a target skin surface.

“Vehicle control” means a negative control that is identical to the test composition except that it does include the particular active(s) of interest (e.g., does not contain a vitamin B₃ compound).

Composition

The skin care composition herein is a low-pH composition intended for topical application to human skin for improving skin appearance and/or function. In some instances, the present low-pH composition may be used for cosmetic (i.e., non-therapeutic) treatment of a variety of skin conditions. In some instances, the low-pH composition may be particularly suitable for improving the appearance of hyperpigmented spots, uneven skin tone, and/or sallow looking skin. The low-pH composition includes an effective amount of a vitamin B₃ compound; a polymer thickener that can tolerate low pH environments; a salt/acid pH buffering system (e.g., lactic acid/sodium lactate and/or glycolic acid/sodium gluconate) and, optionally, a low molecular weight silicone oil. The composition may optionally include a silicone emulsifier as well as other ingredients commonly found in topical skin care compositions. It is believed, without being limited by theory, that this combination of ingredients provides an efficacious skin care composition that has good feel properties and is gentle on skin.

The low-pH cosmetic skin care compositions herein may be made by mixing the ingredients with a dermatologically acceptable carrier using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art. The low-pH compositions may be provided in various product forms such as solutions, suspensions, lotions, creams, gels, toners, sticks, sprays, aerosols, ointments, cleansing liquid washes and solid bars, pastes, foams, mousses, shaving creams, wipes, strips, patches, electrically-powered patches, hydrogels, film-forming products, facial and skin masks (with and without insoluble sheet), and the like. The composition form may follow from the particular dermatologically acceptable carrier chosen. In some instances, the low-pH composition herein may be in the form of an essence. An essence is a form of topical skin care composition in a relatively concentrated formula that typically has a lower viscosity than conventional cream or lotion-type skin care compositions. In some instances, an essence may be provided in the form of a low-viscosity fluid that is marketed to specifically target a particular skin condition and/or be used in the first step of a skin care regimen. An essence product herein may have a dynamic viscosity of 1 centipoise (cP) to 30,000 cP at 25° C. (e.g., 50 cP to 10,000 cP or 100 cP to 7,500 cP, 200 cP to 5,000 cP, or 300 cP to 2,500 cP). The viscosity of a low-pH composition herein is determined according to the Rheology Method provided in the Methods section below.

It has been found that at least some consumers desire a skin care essence that has a certain balance of transparency and opacity. If the essence is too transparent, it looks too much like water and consumers may be skeptical of the efficacy of the product. But if the essence is too opaque, consumers may think that product will not provide the light, clean feel that is expected from an essence. Thus, the low pH essence product herein has an opacity of between 15 and 75 (e.g., between 20 and 60 or between 25 and 50), according to the Opacity Test, which is described in more detail below. In some instances, it may be desirable to limit the amount of hydrocarbon oils such as fatty alcohols and mineral oils present in the low pH essence, as these ingredients can undesirably increase the opacity of the essence. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a low pH essence that is free or substantially free of hydrocarbon oils (e.g., less than 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or even 0%).

Vitamin B₃ Compound

The present composition includes a safe and effective amount of a vitamin B₃ compound for regulating a variety of skin condition, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,082. The compositions herein may contain 0.1% to 10%, by weight, of the vitamin B₃ compound, based on the weight or volume of the composition (e.g., 0.5% to 5% or 1% to 4%).

As used herein, “vitamin B₃ compound” means a compound having the formula:

Where:

R is CONH₂ (i.e., niacinamide), COOH (i.e., nicotinic acid) or CH₂OH (i.e., nicotinyl alcohol); derivatives thereof; and salts of any of the foregoing. Exemplary derivatives of vitamin B₃ compounds include nicotinic acid esters, including non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid (e.g., tocopheryl nicotinate, myristyl nicotinate) nicotinamide riboside, nicotinyl amino acids, nicotinyl alcohol esters of carboxylic acids, nicotinic acid N-oxide, and niacinamide N-oxide. In some instances, vitamin B₃ compounds such as niacinamide may have improved efficacy at lower pH, for example, as described in U.S. Publication No. 2020/0009123.

In some instances, it may be desirable for the ring nitrogen of the vitamin B₃ compound to be “uncomplexed” (e.g., chemically unbound and/or unhindered) in the composition and/or prior to application to a target skin surface. For example, the compositions herein may be free of or substantially free of (i.e., less than 3%, 2%, 1% or even less than 0.5%) a salt or complex of a vitamin B₃ compound. Exemplary approaches to minimizing or preventing the formation of undesirable salts and/or complexes include omission of materials that form substantially irreversible or other undesirable complexes with the vitamin B₃ compound in the composition, pH adjustment, ionic strength adjustment, the use of surfactants, and practicing formulation processes wherein the vitamin B₃ compound and materials which complex therewith are in different phases.

Low-pH Buffering System

When providing a low-pH composition for topical application to skin, it is important to include a buffering system to help maintain the pH of the composition after it is applied to the skin. On average, human skin pH typically ranges from about 5.0 to 6.0. To maintain this pH, human skin has evolved a natural buffering system that resists changes to pH. Thus, when a low-pH composition is applied to the skin, the skin's natural buffering system will try to adjust the pH of the composition to match the natural pH of the skin. Without the addition of the buffering system, the low-pH composition may not be able to provide the desired skin care benefit.

The low-pH buffering system herein include an acid buffering agent. A variety of acids are known for use in skin care compositions. For example, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., citric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and lactic acid), beta hydroxy acids (e.g., salicylic acid and propanoic acid), and polyhydroxy acids (e.g., gluconic acid) are commonly used as exfoliants. However, some acids are stronger than others and/or some people may be more sensitive to certain concentrations of acids than others. Both of these factors can increase the risk of skin irritation caused by a low-pH composition containing an acid. Some non-limiting examples of acids that may be suitable for use as an acid buffering agent herein are lactic acid, gluconic acid, lactobionic acid, and/or maltobionic acid. Lactic acid and gluconic acid may be particularly suitable because they tend to be relatively gentle on skin (i.e., less likely to cause skin irritation) compared to other acids. However, lactic acid and gluconic acid are still strong enough to provide the desired low pH in the present composition. In addition, composition containing lactic acid and/or gluconic acid may provide skin benefits may provide additional skin benefits such as improving the skin's natural moisture factor and/or stimulating collagen renewal to help improve visible signs of aging skin. The low-pH compositions herein may include 0.5% to 5% of a suitable acid buffering agent. In some instances, the low-pH composition may include 0.75% to 4%, 1% to 3%, or 1.5% to 2.5% of the acid buffering agent. It is to be appreciated that the acid buffering agent may be added in a form that readily converts to the desired acid. For example, glucono delta lactone and other gluconic acid precursors that readily convert to gluconic acid in the present compositions are considered gluconic acid for purposes of the present invention.

The low-pH buffering system herein includes a suitable salt buffering agent, which may depend on the acid buffering agent selected. For example, it may be desirable to use sodium lactate, when the acid buffering agent is lactic acid and/or sodium gluconate when the acid buffering agent is gluconic acid. Other non-limiting examples of salts that may be suitable for use herein include additional salt buffering agent selected from calcium lactate gluconate, potassium lactate, zinc lactate, and potassium gluconate. The salt buffering agent may be present at any amount suitable to provide the buffering capability for maintaining the desired low pH of the composition upon application to the skin and for at least 1 minute thereafter (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 or even 120 minutes or more after application) in order to provide enough time for the active ingredients in the composition to penetrate into the skin. In some instances, the salt buffering agent may be present in the low-pH composition at 0.25% to 4% (e.g., 0.5% to 3%, 0.75% to 2% or 1% to 1.75%). In some instances, the salt buffering agent may be present at a weight ratio of acid to salt of 1:10 to 10:1. It may be desirable to use the L-enantiomer form of the acid and/or salt buffering agents, since that is the form that occurs naturally in the body. Sodium lactate may be particularly suitable for use as a salt buffering agent because it may also act as a humectant to help moisturize the skin. Of course, it is to be appreciated that the present composition may optionally include other pH buffers known for use in skin care compositions.

Thickeners

The low-pH compositions herein includes a polymer thickener that can tolerate a low pH, electrolytic environment. That is, the thickener will not lose its ability to thicken or stabilize the composition at low pH1 in the presence of an acid-salt buffering system. Some conventional neutralized thickeners are known to degrade and/or lose the ability to suitably thicken a composition at lower pH and/or in the presence of an acid-salt buffer (e.g., sodium lactate). For example, some neutralized thickeners degrade in a low pH environment. On the other hand, fatty alcohol thickeners such as cetyl alcohols and stearyl alcohols are generally stable at low pH, but tend to impart an undesirable cloudiness or opacity to the composition when it is in the form of an essence, serum, or the like. It has also been found that certain anionic polymeric thickeners can provide suitable tolerance to low pH environments but cannot tolerate buffer systems due to combination of acid and salt. Thus, in some instances, the low-pH composition described herein may be free or substantially free of neutralized thickeners, fatty alcohol thickeners, and anionic thickeners. The thickener may be present at 0.0001% to 25% (e.g., 0.001% to 20%, 0.01% to 10%, 0.5% to 7%, or 1% or 5%) by weight of the composition.

Other nonlimiting examples of thickeners or water structuring agents that may be used alone or in combination herein include natural or synthetic gums, polysaccharides, carboxylic acid polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, sulfonated polymers, and copolymers of these. Further examples include modified gums, celluloses, and superabsorbent polymers. The term “superabsorbent polymer” is understood to mean a polymer which is capable, in its dry state, of spontaneously absorbing at least 20 times its own weight of aqueous fluid, in particular of water and especially of distilled water. Suitable polysaccharides include alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose stearoxy ether. This material is sold under the tradename of SANGELOSE 60L and 90L from Daido Chemical Corp. Another suitable polysaccharide includes hydrophobically modified starch, such as Potato modified starch. This material is sold under the tradename of STRUCTURE SOLANACE by Nouryon. Another polymer includes crosslinked polymers, the monomers of which are at least partially composed of acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers, such as, for example sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, sold under the tradename of ARISTOFLEX SILK, from Clariant.

It has now been found that certain anionic polymeric thickeners can provide suitable tolerance to low pH environments and the desired feel and opacity properties to the composition. Thus, a particularly suitable example of an anionic thickener is polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, which is commercially available as SEPIMAX ZEN from Seppic, France.

Low Molecular Weight Silicone Fluid.

In some instances, an anionic polymeric thickener may impart an undesirable tacky feel when the low-pH composition is applied to a target portion of skin. It has been found that the addition of a low molecular weight silicone fluid can reduce or prevent this tacky feel. The molecular weight of a silicone fluid (sometimes referred to as a silicone oil) depends on the length of its silicone polymer chain(s), which is also directly proportional to the viscosity of the silicone fluid. Thus, the low molecular weight silicone fluids suitable for use in the present low-pH composition have a kinematic viscosity of 100 cSt or less at 25° C. (e.g., 1 cSt to 90 cSt, 5 cSt to 50 cSt, or even 10 cSt to 30 cSt). Kinematic viscosity is a common method of classifying silicone fluids and can be obtained from the supplier of the material. A particularly suitable example of a low molecular weight silicone fluid is 5 cSt dimethicone fluid. As used herein, “dimethicone” means a polydimethylsiloxane compound having the formula:

Dermatologically Acceptable Carrier

The low-pH compositions herein include a dermatologically acceptable carrier (which may be referred to as a “carrier”). The phrase “dermatologically acceptable carrier” means that the carrier is suitable for topical application to the keratinous tissue, has good aesthetic properties, is compatible with the actives in the composition, and will not cause any unreasonable safety or toxicity concerns. In one embodiment, the carrier is present at a level of from about 50% to about 99%, about 60% to about 98%, about 70% to about 98%, or, alternatively, from about 80% to about 95%, by weight of the composition.

The carrier can be in a wide variety of forms. In some instances, the solubility or dispersibility of the components (e.g., extracts, sunscreen active, additional components) may dictate the form and character of the carrier. Non-limiting examples include simple solutions (e.g., aqueous or anhydrous), dispersions, emulsions, and solid forms (e.g., gels, sticks, flowable solids, or amorphous materials). In some instances, the dermatologically acceptable carrier is in the form of an emulsion. The emulsion may have a continuous aqueous phase (e.g., an oil-in-water or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion) or a continuous oil phase (e.g., water-in-oil or oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion). The oil phase of the present invention may comprise silicone oils, non-silicone oils such as hydrocarbon oils, esters, ethers, and mixtures thereof. The aqueous phase typically comprises water and water-soluble ingredients (e.g., water-soluble moisturizing agents, conditioning agents, anti-microbials, humectants and/or other skin care actives). However, in some instances, the aqueous phase may comprise components other than water, including but not limited to water-soluble moisturizing agents, conditioning agents, anti-microbials, humectants and/or other water-soluble skin care actives. In some instances, the non-water component of the composition comprises a humectant such as glycerin and/or other polyol(s).

In some instances, the compositions herein are in the form of an oil-in-water (“O/W”) emulsion that provides a sensorial feel that is light and non-greasy. Suitable O/W emulsions herein may include a continuous aqueous phase of more than 50% by weight of the composition, and the remainder being the dispersed oil phase. The aqueous phase may include 1% to 99% water, based on the weight of the aqueous phase, along with any water soluble and/or water miscible ingredients. In these instances, the dispersed oil phase will typically be present at less than 30% by weight of composition (e.g., 1% to 20%, 2% to 15%, 3% to 12%, 4% to 10%, or even 5% to 8%) to help avoid some of the undesirable feel effects of oily compositions. The oil phase may include one or more volatile and/or non-volatile oils (e.g., botanical oils, silicone oils, and/or hydrocarbon oils). Some nonlimiting examples of oils that may be suitable for use in the present compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,265 and U.S. Publication No. 2015/0196464.

The carrier may contain one or more dermatologically acceptable, hydrophilic diluents. As used herein. “diluent” includes materials in which the vitamin B₃ compound can be dispersed, dissolved, or otherwise incorporated. Hydrophilic diluents include water, organic hydrophilic diluents such as lower monovalent alcohols (e.g., C₇-C₄) and low molecular weight glycols and polyols, including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (e.g., molecular weight of 200 to 600 g/mole), polypropylene glycol (e.g., molecular weight of 425 to 2025 g/mole), glycerol, butylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, sorbitol esters, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethanol, isopropanol, sorbitol esters, butanediol, ether propanol, ethoxylated ethers, propoxylated ethers and combinations thereof.

Emulsifier

When the low-pH composition herein is in the form of an emulsion (e.g., oil-in-water emulsion), it may be desirable to include an emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion (i.e., prevent the emulsion from phase separating). The emulsifier may be present in the composition at 0.01% to 10% (e.g., 0.05% to 5% or 0.1% to 2%). The emulsifiers may be nonionic, anionic or cationic. In some instances, the emulsifier may be a silicone emulsifier. Some non-limiting examples of emulsifiers that may be suitable for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,755,560; 4,421,769; and McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition, pages 317-324 (1986).

Some other non-limiting examples of emulsifiers that may be suitable for use herein include ethers of polyglycols and of fatty alcohols, esters of polyglycols and of fatty acids, ethers of polyglycols and of fatty alcohols which are glycosylated, esters of polyglycols and of fatty acids which are glycosylated, ethers of C12-30 alcohols and of glycerol or of polyglycerol, esters of C12-30 fatty acids and of glycerol or of polyglycerol, ethers of oxyalkylene-modified C12-30 alcohols and of glycerol or polyglycerol, ethers of C1-230 fatty alcohols comprising and of sucrose or of glucose, esters of sucrose and of C1230 fatty acids, esters of pentaerythritol and of C12-30 fatty acids, esters of sorbitol and/or of sorbitan and of C12 30 fatty acids, ethers of sorbitol and/or of sorbitan and of alkoxylated sorbitan, ethers of polyglycols and of cholesterol, esters of C12-30 fatty acids and of alkoxylated ethers of sorbitol and/or sorbitan, and combinations thereof. A particularly useful class of emulsifiers is polyethylene glycol ethers of lauryl alcohol such as laureth-1 through laureth-50 (e.g., laureth-4). Still other examples of emulsifiers include ethers of glycerol, polyglycerol, sucrose, glucose, or sorbitol; esters of glycerol, polyglycerol, sucrose, glucose, or sorbitol; and mixtures thereof. Other particularly useful classes of emulsifiers are the alkyl esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate 21, and polysorbate 40.

Silicone emulsifiers may suitable for use herein. Linear or branched type silicone emulsifiers may also be used. Particularly useful silicone emulsifiers include polyether modified silicones such as KF-6011, KF-6012, KF-6013, KF-6015, KF-6015, KF-6017, KF-6043, KF-6028, and KF-6038 and polyglycerolated linear or branched siloxane emulsifiers such as KF-6100, KF-6104, and KF-6105; all from Shin-Etsu. A particular suitable emulsifier for use herein is PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone, which is available from Shin-Etsu as KF-6011. Surprisingly, it was discovered that the PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone emulsifier further reduced the tacky feel of the anionic polymer thickener, thereby improving the overall feel of the low-pH composition. The emulsifier may be present at an amount of 0.1% to 10% (e.g., 1% to 5%, or 2%-4%).

Other Optional Ingredients

The present composition may optionally include one or more additional ingredients commonly used in cosmetic compositions (e.g., colorants, skin care actives, anti-inflammatory agents, sunscreen agents, emulsifiers, buffers, rheology modifiers, combinations of these and the like), provided that the additional ingredients do not undesirably alter the skin health or appearance benefits provided by the present compositions. The additional ingredients, when incorporated into the composition, should be suitable for use in contact with human skin tissue without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like. Some nonlimiting examples of additional actives include vitamins, minerals, peptides and peptide derivatives, sugar amines, sunscreens, oil control agents, particulates, flavonoid compounds, hair growth regulators, anti-oxidants and/or anti-oxidant precursors, preservatives, protease inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizing agents, exfoliating agents, skin lightening agents, sunless tanning agents, lubricants, anti-acne actives, anti-cellulite actives, chelating agents, anti-wrinkle actives, anti-atrophy actives, phytosterols and/or plant hormones, N-acyl amino acid compounds, antimicrobials, and antifungals. Other non-limiting examples of additional ingredients and/or skin care actives that may be suitable for use herein are described in U.S. Publication Nos. 2002/0022040; 2003/0049212; 2004/0175347; 2006/0275237; 2007/0196344; 2008/0181956; 2008/0206373; 2010/00092408; 2008/0206373; 2010/0239510; 2010/0189669; 2010/0272667; 2011/0262025; 2011/0097286; US2012/0197016; 2012/0128683; 2012/0148515; 2012/0156146; and 2013/0022557; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,939,082; 5,872,112; 6,492,326; 6,696,049; 6,524,598; 5,972,359; and 6,174,533.

When including optional ingredients in the compositions herein, it may be desirable to select ingredients that do not form complexes or otherwise undesirably interact with other ingredients in the composition at low pH, especially pH sensitive ingredients like niacinamide, salicylates and peptides. In some instances, it may be desirable to select skin care actives that function via different biological pathways so that the actives do not interfere with one another, which could reduce the efficacy of both agents. When present, the optional ingredients may be included at amounts of from 0.0001% to 50%; from 0.001% to 20%; or even from 0.01% to 10% (e.g., 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5% or 0.1%), by weight of the composition.

Method of Use

The low-pH compositions herein are formulated for topical application to skin. The method of using the present low-pH composition involves identifying a target portion of skin on a person in need of treatment or where treatment is desired (e.g., portions of skin exhibiting uneven skin tone, sallow looking skin, or skin that contains hyperpigmented spots) and applying an effective amount of the low-pH composition to the target portion of skin over the course of a treatment period. The effective amount of composition may vary based on the skin benefit desired by the user and/or the size of the treatment area. In some instances, the effective amount may range from 0.1 g to 5 g (e.g., 0.2 g to 4 g, 0.3 g to 2 g, or even 0.5 g to 1 g). The target portion of skin may be on a facial skin surface such as the forehead, perioral, chin, periorbital, nose, and/or cheek) or another part of the body (e.g., hands, arms, legs, back, chest). In some instances, a target portion of skin may be selected that does not currently exhibit signs of skin aging, such as hyperpigmented spots or uneven skin tone, but is an area of skin that commonly exhibits such features with age. In these instances, the low-pH composition may be used to help prevent the occurrence of such undesirable skin features.

The composition may be applied locally to the target portion of skin in need of treatment and, if desired, to the surrounding skin at least once a day, twice a day, or on a more frequent daily basis, during a treatment period. When applied twice daily, the first and second applications are separated by at least 1 to 12 hours. Typically, the composition is applied in the morning and/or in the evening before bed. When used according to the methods herein, the present compositions may improve the appearance and/or function of skin, for example, by improving skin texture. Improvements in skin texture can be provided, for example, by decreasing pore size, reducing skin roughness, reducing the presence and/or size of wrinkles, combinations of these and the like.

The treatment period is ideally of sufficient time for the low-pH composition to improve the appearance and/or function of the target portion of skin. The treatment period typically lasts for at least 1 week (e.g., about 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or even 12 weeks). In some instances, the treatment period may extend over multiple months (i.e., 3-12 months). In some instances, the composition is applied most days of the week (e.g., at least 4, 5 or 6 days a week), at least once a day or even twice a day during a treatment period of at least 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks.

The step of applying the composition herein may be accomplished by localized application. In reference to application of the composition, the terms “localized”, “local”, or “locally” mean that the composition is delivered to the targeted area (e.g., a psoriatic plaque) while minimizing delivery to skin surfaces where treatment is not desired. The composition may be applied and lightly massaged into an area of skin. The form of the composition or the dermatologically acceptable carrier should be selected to facilitate localized application. While certain embodiments herein contemplate applying a composition locally to an area, it will be appreciated that compositions herein can be applied more generally or broadly to one or more skin surfaces. In certain embodiments, the compositions herein may be used as part of a multi-step beauty regimen, wherein the present composition may be applied before and/or after one or more other compositions.

Methods

Opacity Test Method

This method is used to determine the opacity of a product or material. Results are reported as a percentage, wherein higher the percentage the greater is the opacity of the sample. Prior to measuring opacity, mill the test composition to be tested using an Ultra-turrax T25 (from IKA, Germany) or equivalent with a S 25 N-25 F Dispersing tool (or equivalent) for 1 min at 10,000 rpm taking care not to introduce air into the sample. Prepare the sample by placing a sufficient amount of the composition in a suitable transmittance cell that provides a 2 mm optical path (e.g., CM-A130 rectangular cells from Konica Minolta or equivalent). Measure the opacity of the sample using a suitable spectrophotometer that can deliver tristimulus values CIE XYZ under CIE D65 lighting conditions across the visible spectrum is used for this method (e.g., a CM-3600A Spectrophotometer available from Konica Minolta, or equivalent). Set the spectrophotometer to deliver 1931 CIE defined tristimulus XYZ values with 2° observer and D65 illuminant. Two sets of tristimulus values are necessary to calculate opacity—one with the product's 2 mm sample cell in front of a white background and the other in front of a black background. Acceptable white backgrounds include the white portion of an opacity card (such as Opacity Card Form 2A, Leneta Company, Inc, Mahwah, N.J., USA, or equivalent) and acceptable black backgrounds are the black portion of an opacity card (such as Opacity Card Form 2A, Leneta Company, Inc, Mahwah, N.J., USA, or equivalent). Opacity is determined by calculating the quotient of the Y tristimulus value using the black background divided by the Y tristimulus value using the white background and multiplying by 100%. Opacity is reported to the nearest integer percentage.

Rheology Method

This method provides a way to measure the dynamic viscosity of a composition or material using a BROOKFIELD brand viscometer (e.g., model DV2T or equivalent) and a suitable spindle (e.g., RV4 or equivalent) according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is to be appreciated that the skilled artisan will be able to select the appropriate spindle in accordance with the manufacture's recommendation. After calibrating the viscometer, the spindle is immersed into a sufficient quantity of test sample (e.g., enough to immerse the spindle up to the immersion mark on the spindle shaft). Set the spindle rotation speed to 5 rpm, and then start the viscometer. Allow time for the indicated viscosity reading to stabilize (approximately 10-30 seconds). After the reading stabilizes, take 5 readings at 10 second intervals. Calculate the viscosity as the average of the 5 readings.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Formulations

Table 1 provides examples of the low-pH compositions described herein and two comparative examples of non-inventive compositions (Examples J and R), which are identified with an asterisk. The compositions were prepared using conventional methods of making skin care compositions. Such methods typically involve mixing of the ingredients in one or more steps to a relatively uniform state, with or without heating, cooling, application of vacuum, and the like. Typically, emulsions are prepared by first mixing the aqueous phase materials separately from the fatty phase materials and then combining the two phases as appropriate to yield the desired continuous phase. The compositions are preferably prepared to optimize stability (physical stability, chemical stability, photostability) and/or delivery of the active materials. This optimization may include adjusting the pH (i.e., to less than 5), exclusion of materials that can complex with the active agent and thus negatively impact stability or delivery (e.g., exclusion of contaminating iron), use of approaches to prevent complex formation (e.g., appropriate dispersing agents or dual compartment packaging), use of appropriate photostability approaches (e.g., incorporation of sunscreen/sunblock, use of opaque packaging), etc.

The pH of the compositions tested in this example are measured with an ORION brand 525A pH meter (or equivalent) equipped with a flat surface electrode/probe (e.g., VWR Cat. 20 No. 89231-584). The probe of the pH meter is immersed directly into a neat sample of the composition. The compositions in the Examples have a pH of 3.8. It is believed, without being limited by theory, that a pH of 3.8 may provide the best balance between skin care active efficacy, sensory properties, and low irritation potential.

TABLE 1 Component A B C D E F H I J* K L % Water qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs Glycerin 4.5 4.5 3.0 3.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 Dimethicone 5 cSt 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 — — — Dimethicone 50 cSt — — — — — — — — — 4.0 — Dimethicone 100 cSt — — — — — — — — — — 4.0 Dimethicone and — — — — 4   — — — — — — dimethicone/ vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer¹ Niacinamide  0.04 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Yeast Extract Hydrolyzed — 3.0 — — — — — — — — — Yeast Protein² Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2³ — 1.0 — — — — — — — — — Lactic acid 2.0  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62 Sodium lactate 1.8  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78 Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6⁴  1.30 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Panthenol  0.05 0.5 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Disodium EDTA 1.0 0.1 — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 PEG-11 methyl ether 0.1 0.1 0.1 — 0.1 0.1 — 0.1 — 0.1 0.1 dimethicone⁵ Laureth-4 — — — 0.2 0.2 — — — — — — Trehalose 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Xylitol — — — — — — — 1.4 — — — Phenoxyethanol — — — — — — —  0.25 — — — Sodium Benzoate  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05 Fragrance  0.04  0.04 —  0.04 — — — — — — — pH  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80 ¹KSG-16 available from Shin-Etsu ²CHRONOGEN YST available from Ashland, Inc. ³PROGELINE available from Lucas Meyer Cosmetics ⁴SEPIMAX ZEN available from Seppic ⁵KF-6011 available from Shin-Etsu *Comparative example Component M N O P Q R* S T U V W % Water qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs Glycerin 4.5 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 Dimethicone 5 cSt 4.0 — 4.0 4.0 — — 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Niacinamide 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Lactic acid  1.62  1.62 —  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  1.62  2.07  1.26  0.81 Sodium lactate  0.78  0.78 —  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.78  0.39  1.32 1.8 Glucono delta lactone — — 3.1 — — — — — — — — Sodium gluconate — — 1.8 — — — — — — — — Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6  1.92 1.2 1.5 1.2 1.2 — — — 1.2 1.5 1.2 Sodium — — — — — 1.2 1.2 1.2 — — — polyacryloyldimethyl taurate⁶ Panthenol 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Disodium EDTA 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 PEG-11 methylether 0.1 — 0.1 — — — 0.1 — 0.1 0.1 0.1 dimethicone Trehalose 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Sodium Benzoate  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05 Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate⁷ — 4.0 — — — — — — — — — Isohexadecane — — — — 4.0 — — — — — — pH  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  3.80  4.20  4.50 ⁶ARISTOFLEX SILK available from Clariant ⁷ELDEW SL 205 available from Ajinomoto OmniChem Component X Y Z AA AB AC AD AE AF % Water qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs qs Glycerin 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5   5   Dimethicone 5 cSt 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4   4   Niacinamide 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2   2   Lactic acid 0.9  1.26 — — — — — 1.8 1.8 Sodium lactate 1.5  1.32 — — — — — — 0.4 Glucono delta lactone — —  1.36 3.1 — — 3.1 — — Sodium gluconate — —  1.25 — 2.5 2.5 — — — Lactobionic acid⁸ — — — — 5.0 — — — Maltobionic acid⁹ — — — — — 5.0 — — — Calcium lactate gluconate¹⁰ — — — 1.8 — — — — — Potassium gluconate¹⁰ — — — — — — 1.8 — — Potassium lactate¹⁰ — — — — — — — 1.3 — Zinc lactate¹¹ — — — — — — — — 1   Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Sodium — — — — — — — — — polyacryloyldimethyl taurate Panthenol 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Disodium EDTA 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 PEG-11 methylether 0.1 0.1 0.1 — — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 dimethicone Trehalose 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Sodium Benzoate  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05  0.05 pH  4.20  4.50  4.11  3.77  3.95  3.95  3.80  3.80  3.70 ⁸TEGO RENEWHA LACTO available from Evonik ⁹TEGO RENEWHA MALTO available from Evonik ¹⁰Available from Jungbunzlauer ¹¹PURAMEX Zn from Corbion

Example 2—Low pH Buffering System

This example demonstrates the ability of the lactic acid/sodium lactate low pH buffering system to maintain the pH of the composition below the average pH of normal human skin (i.e., less than 5.0). The test subjects were asked to wash their face with water prior to testing. A suitable amount (e.g., 1 g) of the test product (Example F from Table 1) was then applied to the face of the test subject. The pH of the target portion of skin was measured after the product dried (approximately 2-5 minutes after application) and then again 3 hours after application. The pH can be measured with a suitable pH meter with a flat probe by placing the probe against the skin of the test subject until a stable pH value is displayed by the pH meter. The pH probe should be dampened with DI water just prior to contacting the skin. The average pH from the test subjects is provided below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 2-5 minutes after 3 hours after Product pH application to skin application to skin. pH 3.8 3.9 4.2

Example 3—Clinical Study

This example demonstrates the ability of the present low-pH compositions to improve the appearance of skin. Texture Area Fraction was selected in the Example to show the desired skin appearance benefit provided by the low-pH compositions. The method for determining Texture Area Fraction uses an objective image capture and analysis system to measure skin features that impact how skin texture is perceived (e.g., pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles). An improvement in Texture Area Fraction corresponds in an improvement in skin appearance.

A 9-week in vivo study was conducted using a randomized, vehicle controlled, balanced incomplete block, split face design including a 1-week washout period and an 8-week test period. Sixty subjects joined the treatment leg and 59 finished the study. The treatment regimen began with a 1-week washout period. Each morning and evening the subject was to wash her face with standard cleanser (Olay Deep cleansing facial Cleanser, available from The Procter & Gamble Company), gently dry with a towel, and apply a standard moisturizer (with 3% glycerin) to both sides of face. At baseline, each subject received two coded test formulations for twice daily application to either the left or right side of the face. Each morning and evening the subject was to wash her face with standard cleanser, gently dry with a towel, and apply 0.5 g of the appropriate test formulation on each side of the face with the fingers using gentle pressure in a circular motion. The test formulations used in this test were Example I from Table 1 and a vehicle control. The formula for the vehicle control is provided below in Table 3.

TABLE 3A Control Component % Phase A water qs glycerin 10.00 Panthenol 1.00 disodium EDTA 0.10 Phase B Isopropyl Isostearate 1.33 Isohexadecane 3.00 cetearyl glucoside 0.20 cetyl alcohol 0.32 tocopherol acetate 0.50 PEG-100 stearate 0.10 stearyl alcohol 0.48 behenyl alcohol 0.40 ethyl paraben 0.20 propyl paraben 0.10 polymethylsilsesquioxane 0.25 Phase C polyacrylamide/C13-14 2.00 isoparaffin/laureth-7 Phase D benzyl alcohol 0.25 dimethicone/dimethiconol 2.00

Images of the facial treatment sites were captured at baseline, and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and analyzed for changes to facial texture. Prior to image collection, the participants washed their face with a mild cleanser and then equilibrated for approximately 20 minutes prior to imaging. Images were then collected of the right and left side of the participant's face using the Canfield OLE imaging system. The Canfield OLE imaging system (Canfield Scientific, Inc., Parsippany, N.J., USA) is designed to capture reproducible facial images under controlled lighting and head positioning configurations in clinical research studies. The OLE imaging system incorporates a Canon EOS-6D DSLR which uses a 21-megapixel CMOS sensor with a maximum 5472×3648 resolution. The OLE imaging system saves both an Exif JPEG and Canon raw image file for each captured image.

Images of the test subjects are collected under different lighting modalities to enhance visualization of the skin features under investigation. An automated flash selection control and changeable filter control selects for the correct combination of lighting, lighting angles and filters that are optimized for the enhanced imaging of the facial topographical features (wrinkles, texture, etc.) or facial color feature (spots, tone, etc.). Reproducibility from time point to time point is facilitated with the aid of a live feed image of the subject superimposed on the baseline image. The subject is positioned such that all key landmarks on the face of the live image are exactly registered with those same landmarks of the baseline image. Each image contains a color chart with color chips of known values to assist in color management. Images captured with the OLE imaging system using the Canfield Capture software are saved directly to the data drive on the imaging system's computer.

In this Example, the region of interest (ROI) for texture measurements covered the test subject's upper and lower cheek, but did not extend into the undereye and central crow's feet areas. The upper limit of the mask followed along the subject's upper cheek bone. Specific differences in ROIs are due to variation in subject facial morphology. The degree of textured skin in the ROI were quantified objectively using image analysis algorithms based on an Optimus software platform. This analysis identified surface skin texture patterns that correlate to human perception of texture and quantified the total texture area detected in terms of pixels. Because the ROI varies in shape and size from subject to subject, the total texture area was normalized to the total ROI size to yield a Texture Area Fraction (TAF), i.e., the fractional ROI area occupied by facial texture in terms of pixels. The results of the tests are summarized in Tables 4A and 4B below. As can be seen in Table 3B below, the low-pH compositions significantly improved Texture Area Fraction compared to the vehicle and baseline values.

TABLE 3B Texture Area Fraction (Example I) Treatment ΔTAF vs. ΔTAF vs. Phase Vehicle p-value Baseline p-value Week 2 −0.098 0.0425 −0.073 0.1983 Week 4 −0.249 0.0005 −0.246 <0.0001 Week 8 −0.215 0.0038 −0.159 0.0181

Example 4—Reduced Tackiness

In a first test, nine test subjects were asked to apply compositions F, J, and H from Table 1 (blinded) on their forearm in a controlled temperature, controlled humidity (CTCH) room using control dosage. The test subjects were then asked to evaluate the tackiness at 2 minutes and at 6 minutes and give a score between 0 and 5, where zero is no tackiness and 5 is high tackiness. A tackiness of less than 3.0 is generally desired. The results of the test are summarized in Table 4A. A student T-test was used to determine statistical significance (threshold=0.05).

The letters in parentheses (A, B, and C) are used to indicate the statistical difference between test legs. Legs with the same letter indicates no statistically significant difference, while legs with different letters indicate a statistical difference. In other words, at 2 minutes, all three test legs demonstrated statistically significant differences in tackiness relative to one another, and at 6 minutes, Examples F and H exhibited statistically significant differences to Example J, the comparative example, but not to each other. Statistical significance was determined using a student T-test with a threshold=0.05.

As can be seen in Table 4A, Example F, which includes a low molecular weight silicone oil and a silicone emulsifier provided the lowest tacky feel after 2 minutes and 6 minutes. Example H, which contains a low molecular weight silicone fluid, but no silicone emulsifier, had the second lowest tackiness. At 6 minutes, Examples F and H both provided statistically significant lower tackiness than Example J. Thus, the data suggest that adding the lower molecular weight silicone oil provides a reduction in tackiness and using a suitable silicone emulsifier can further reduce tackiness after application.

TABLE 4A F J H 2 minutes 1.2 (A) 3.2 (B) 2.0 (C) 6 minutes 0.9 (A) 3.2 (B) 1.7 (A)

In a second test, nine different test subjects were asked to apply compositions J, M, N, and O from Table 1 (blinded) on their forearm in a CTCH room using control dosage. Example M, N, and O were selected to test how higher levels of low-pH tolerant thickener (Example M), hydrocarbon oil (Example N), and a gluconic acid/sodium gluconate buffer system (Example O) impacted tackiness. As in the first test, the test subjects were asked to evaluate the tackiness at 2 minutes and at 6 minutes with a score between 0 and 5. The results of the test are summarized in Table 4B. As can be seen in Table 4B, all the inventive examples (i.e., M, N, and O) generally had better tackiness than the comparative example (J). This data suggests that higher levels of thickener, addition of hydrocarbon oil, and a gluconic acid/sodium gluconate buffer system can still provide a desired level of tackiness at 2 minutes and 6 minutes after application.

TABLE 4B J M N O 2 minutes 2.7 (A) 1.9 (AB) 1.4 (B) 1.7 (B) 6 minutes 3.9 (A) 2.3 (B) 2.7 (B) 2.8 (B)

In a third test, six different test subjects were asked to apply compositions R, S, and T from Table 1 (blinded) on their forearm in a CTCH room using control dosage. As in the previous tests, the test subjects were asked to evaluate the tackiness at 2 minutes and at 6 minutes with a score between 0 and 5. The results of the test are summarized in Table 4C.

TABLE 4C R S T 2 minutes 2.3 (A) 0.8 (AB) 0 (B) 6 minutes 4.5 (A) 0.9 (B) 0.8 (B)

Example 5—Opacity

This example demonstrates the desired opacity properties of the present low-pH compositions. An opacity of between 15 than 75 is generally desired. If the opacity is lowering than 15, the composition appears to much like water and consumers may question its efficacy. But if the opacity is greater than 75, consumers may assume that the composition is thick, tacky, and/or that it won't penetrate the skin. Compositions J, M, N, P, Q R, S, and T were tested in this example. In addition, the opacity of a conventional skin care composition (C1) was also tested. The conventional composition is Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,528 to Deckner, et al. The results of the test are summarized in Table 5. As can be seen in Table 5, compositions that are completely free of oil (i.e., compositions J and R) do not provide enough opacity, and compositions that are not tailored to balance the amount of oil and thickener, skin care active and/or buffer system may be too opaque, as demonstrated by composition C1.

TABLE 5 Composition J R M N P Q S T C1 Opacity 6 6 37 66 31 58 33 30 84

Example 6—Low Irritation

This Example demonstrates the low irritation potential of the present low-pH composition. The low-pH composition was tested in a clinical study, an in vitro cell-based assay and an in vivo human study to determine the relative irritation potential of the composition.

Clinical Study

As part of the clinical study described in Example 3 above, test subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire that rated the level of irritancy associated with the test products that were applied to their skin. The questionnaire asked the test subjects to rate their test products for “Not Irritating the Skin.” The questionnaire provided 7 possible answers: 1) Strongly Agree; 2) Agree; 3) Slightly Agree; 4) Don't Know; 5) Slightly Disagree; 6) Disagree; and 7) Strongly Disagree. The test composition used in this Example is Composition I from Table 1 and the vehicle control from Example 3. The results of the test at week 4 and week 8 are summarized below in Table 6. “Top 3” refers to the percent of test subjects who answered “Strongly Agree,” “Agree,” and “Slightly Agree.”

TABLE 6 Week Treatment Top 3 4 Vehicle Control 97% 4 Composition I 98% 8 Vehicle Control 98% 8 Composition I 100% 

At week 4, 98% of test subjects agreed that the inventive composition did not irritate the skin versus 97% who agreed that the vehicle control did not irritate the skin. At week 8, 100% of the test subjects agreed that the test composition did not irritate the skin compared to 98% who agreed that the vehicle control did not irritate the skin. Thus, the results of this test suggest that that present low-pH compositions can improve the appearance of skin without irritating the skin of the user.

In Vitro Study

The in vitro portion of this example examines the ability of a test composition to activate the well-known TRPV1 sensory receptor in commercially available HEK293 cells. TRP receptors (e.g., TRPA1, TRPV1 and TRPM8) are sensory receptors known for their involvement in communicating thermal sensations (i.e., hot and cold) to the central nervous system. TRPV1 is also believed to be involved in triggering skin sensorial irritations such as itching, burning, pain, tingling, stinging and inflammation. Specific human TRPV1 receptor expressing cell lines have previously been used to evaluate the ability of a material or composition to activate TRPV1, especially for evaluating the burning, tingling, taste sensation and/or pain relief effects of various consumer product formulations. In this example, HEK293 cells are pre-loaded with Fluo-4 AM, which is a calcium binding dye, and treated with control substances and test compositions in a high throughput manner using a FLIPR TETRA brand cellular screening system (available from Molecular Devices, LLC) or equivalent. Upon TRPV1 ion channel activation, calcium ions enter the cells and bind the Fluo-4 dye, producing a fluorescent signal, allowing quantification of the response. To reduce the impact of non-specific calcium mobilization unrelated to TRPV1 activation, formula responses are measured in the presence and absence of a specific TRPV1 inhibitor/antagonist compound. Positive signal of TRPV1 receptor activation by formula will disappear or be reduced in the presence of specific antagonists, thereby increasing the accuracy of data collection ascribed to formula-dependent TRPV1 activation.

TRPV1 Assay

To begin the assay, HEK293 cells are grown in DMEM media containing 10% FBS, high glucose, L-glutamine, phenol red, 100 ug/ml G418, and sodium pyruvate at 33° C. and 5% CO2 for 4-5 days (80-90% confluent) (see, e.g., Sadofsky, L. R., et al. Unique Responses are Observed in Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 and Vanilloid 1 (TRPA1 and TRPV1) Co-Expressing Cells. Cells 2014, 3, 616-626). Cells at second passage are removed from the tissue culture vessel with PBS and the detached cells are spun in a centrifuge at low speed (800-1000 rpm) for 3 min to form a pellet. The PBS medium is removed and the cell pellet is resuspended in 4 mL growth medium. 50 μg of Fluo-4 AM calcium dye dissolved in 25 μL Pluronic F-127 is added and then the cells are incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with gentle shaking. The cells are washed once with 45 mL assay buffer (1×HBSS, 20 mM HEPES) by low speed centrifugation (800-1000 rpm) for 3 minutes and then re-suspended in 10 mL of the assay buffer. Dispense 100 μL aliquots (approximately 15×10⁴ cells) in each well of a 96-well, black, flat-bottom plate. Let the plates sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then record baseline fluorescence using the cellular screening system (e.g., FLIPR TETRA or equivalent) at ex 488 nm and λ_(em) 514 nm. Capsaicin (350 nM) is used as the agonist control for each plate and ionomycin (2 uM) is used as the positive control.

Test samples are prepared as a 12× (10.8% formula) stock in assay buffer (w/v) and allowed to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. The test samples are then centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 3 minutes. The aqueous phase is removed from the centrifuged sample and placed in a suitable tube and mix 1:1 in assay buffer to create a 6× stock. Prepare the TRPV1 antagonist composition by mixing the separated aqueous phase 1:1 with a 12× stock of the capsazepine (25 uM final concentration). Dilute the 6× samples 1:3 with assay buffer or 6× stock of the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (25 uM). Add 20 μL of the diluted composition to 96 well plates wells in triplicate for a final dilution of 0.3% formula.

The maximum fluorescence value in each well up to the time of the peak agonist control response is recorded (typically 40-50 seconds). Values of replicate wells are averaged and then converted to a percentage of the capsaicin agonist control response. Each test sample response is reported as the difference between the (mean test sample response)−(mean test sample response+antagonist). Responses that fall below zero are reported as “no response”. Compositions M, N, and Q from Table were tested in this example. The compositions shown below in Tables 7A and 7B were also tested. The results of the testing are summarized in Table 7C and illustrated in the FIGURE, which shows, among other things, that the lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer system of the Inventive composition exhibited significantly less TRPV1 activation than the Comparative low-pH compositions. Specifically, the lactate buffered composition exhibited less than 5% TRPV1 activation versus the agonist control.

TABLE 7A Comparative 3 Comparative 4 L'Oreal Neostrata Revitalift Resurface Derm Glycolic Intensives Renewal Inventive 1 Comparative 1 Comparative 2 10% Pure Smoothing 2.4% Lactate 3% Citate 4% citrate Glycolic Acid Cream 10% buffer buffer buffer Serum AHA Ingredients Ingredient percentages not Purified Water 84.170 84.270 79.195 available D-Panthenol 0.500 0.500 1.000 Sodium Benzoate 0.050 0.050 0.100 Phenoxyethanol 0.250 0.250 0.375 Disodium EDTA 0.100 0.100 1,2-Hexanediol 0.800 and 1,2- Octanediol¹ Niacinamide 2.000 2.000 5.000 Glycerin 3.000 3.000 5.000 Xylitol 1.400 1.400 3.000 Trehalose 0.100 0.100 — Lactic acid² 1.800 — — Sodium lactate³ 1.300 — — Citric acid — 1.950 3.800 Sodium Citrate — 1.050 0.200 Polyacrylate 1.200 1.200 1.500 crosspolymer-6⁴ Dimethicone 5 cst 4.000 4.000 — KF-6011P⁵ 0.100 0.100 — Perfume 0.030 0.030 0.030 TOTAL 100.000 100.000 100.000 pH 3.81 3.85 3.51 3.95 3.61 ¹SYMDIOL 68 available from Symrise ²PURAC HIPURE 90 available from Corbion ³PURASAL S HQ-60 available from Corbion ⁴SEPIMAX ZEN available from Seppic ⁵KF-6011P available from Shin-Etsu

TABLE 7B B1 B6 B8 Ingredients % Water qs qs qs Glycerin 5.0 5.0 5.0 Dimethicone 5 cSt 4.0 4.0 4.0 Niacinamide 2.0 2.0 2.0 Lactic acid¹ — 1.62 1.62 Sodium lactate² — 0.78 0.78 Glucono delta 3.1 3.1 — lactone³ Sodium Gluconate³ 1.8 1.8 — Mandelic acid — — — Polyacrylate 1.2 1.2 1.5 crosspolymer-6⁴ Panthenol 0.5 0.5 0.5 Disodium EDTA 0.1 0.1 0.1 PEG-11 0.1 0.1 0.1 methylether dimethicone⁵ Trehalose 0.1 0.1 0.1 Sodium Benzoate 0.05 0.05 0.05 TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 pH 3.95 3.65 3.80 ¹PURAC HIPURE 90 available from Corbion ²PURASAL S HQ-60 available from Corbion ³Available from Jungbunzlauer ⁴SEPIMAX ZEN available from Seppic ⁵KF-6011P available from Shin-Etsu

TABLE 7C Inv Comp Comp Comp Comp Composition 1 1 2 3 4 M N Q B1 B6 B8 TRPV1 % 0 11 47 25 36 0 0 0 1.2 1.35 0 activation vs. control

In Vivo Study

The in vivo portion of this example illustrates the low irritation potential of the present compositions relative to comparative low pH formulations that use a different buffering system. This study was a single product, blinded test using female test subjects aged 25-54. The test subjects were asked to apply approximately 0.5 g (i.e., 1 pump) of the test composition to their entire face twice per day (morning and night). The compositions tested in this study are provided in Table 7A above. After 1 week of use, the test subjects were asked whether the test composition was irritating to the skin. The results of the in vivo study are summarized in Table 8 below. As can be seen in Table 8, more than 80% of test subjects reported that the composition did not irritate their skin, while the comparative examples did not meet this standard. This data suggests that the inventive example is less irritating to the skin than the comparative examples.

TABLE 8 Inventive Comparative 1 Comparative 2 Not Irritating Skin 84.0% 77% 49.1%

Examples/Combinations

-   A. A low-pH skin care composition, comprising:     -   a) about 0.1% to 10% of a vitamin B₃ compound;     -   b) about 0.1% to 10% of a low-pH buffering system comprising         gluconic acid and sodium gluconate;     -   c) about 0.1% to 5% of a polymer thickener comprising at least         one of sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and polyacrylate         crosspolymer-6; and     -   d) wherein the pH of the composition is between about 2.0 and         about 5.0, preferably about 2.5 to about 4.5, and more         preferably about 3.5 to 4.3. -   B. The composition of paragraph A, further comprising about 0.01% to     about 1% of a silicone emulsifier. -   C. The composition of paragraph A or B, wherein the composition has     an Opacity of about 15 to about 75, preferably about 35 to about 60,     according to the Opacity Test. -   D. The composition of any preceding paragraph, further comprising     about 0.1% to about 10% of an oil that reduces tackiness. -   E. The composition of paragraph D, wherein the oil is a silicone oil     that has a viscosity of 100 cSt or less, preferably 10 cSt or less     at 25° C. -   F. The composition of any preceding paragraph, further comprising a     stable fatty alcohol thickener selected from the group consisting of     cetyl alcohols, stearyl alcohols, behenyl alcohols and combinations     thereof. -   G. The composition of any preceding paragraph, wherein the     composition comprises at least one additional skin care active     selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, peptides,     sugar amines, sunscreens, oil control agents, flavonoid compounds,     anti-oxidants, protease inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors,     anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizing agents, exfoliating agents,     skin lightening agents, anti-acne agents, anti-wrinkle agents,     phytosterols, N-acyl amino acid compounds, antimicrobials,     antifungals, and combinations thereof. -   H. The composition of any preceding paragraph, wherein the vitamin     B₃ compound is niacinamide. -   I. The composition of any preceding paragraph, wherein the     composition exhibits a TRPV1 activation of less than about 10%,     preferably less than about 5%, according to the TRPV1 assay. -   J. The composition of any preceding paragraph, wherein the     composition is in the form of an essence that has a viscosity of     about 1 cP to about 30000 cP at 25° C., preferably about 1000 cP to     about 15000 cP. -   K. The composition of any preceding paragraph, wherein the low-pH     buffer system further comprises an additional acid buffering agent     selected from lactic acid, lactobionic acid, and maltobionic acid     and an additional salt buffering agent selected from sodium lactate,     calcium lactate gluconate, potassium lactate, zinc lactate, and     potassium gluconate. -   L. A low-pH skin care composition, comprising:     -   a) about 0.1% to 10% of a vitamin B₃ compound;     -   b) about 0.1% to 10% of a low-pH buffering system comprising an         acid buffering agent selected from gluconic acid, lactobionic         acid, and maltobionic acid and a salt buffering agent selected         from sodium gluconate, calcium lactate gluconate, and potassium         gluconate;     -   c) about 0.1% to 5% of a polymer thickener comprising at least         one of sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and polyacrylate         crosspolymer-6; and     -   d) wherein the pH of the composition is between about 2.0 and         about 5.0, preferably about 2.5 to about 4.5, and more         preferably about 3.5 to 4.3. -   M. The composition of paragraph L, further comprising at least one     of lactic acid and sodium lactate. -   N. A method of cosmetically treating skin, comprising:     -   identifying a target portion of skin where treatment is desired;         and     -   applying an effective amount of the composition of claim 1 to         the target portion of skin over the course of a treatment         period. -   O. The method of paragraph N, wherein the composition exhibits a     TRPV1 activation of less than about 10%, preferably less than 5%,     according to the TRPV1 assay. -   P. The method of paragraph N or O, wherein the composition causes no     noticeable skin irritation to the target portion of skin during the     treatment period.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A low-pH skin care composition, comprising: a. about 0.1% to 10% of a vitamin B₃ compound; b. about 0.1% to 10% of a low-pH buffering system comprising gluconic acid and sodium gluconate; c. about 0.1% to 5% of a polymer thickener comprising at least one of sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and polyacrylate crosspolymer-6; and d. wherein the pH of the composition is between about 2.0 and about 5.0.
 2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising about 0.01% to about 1% of a silicone emulsifier.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has an Opacity of about 15 to about 75, according to the Opacity Test.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition has an opacity of about 35 to about
 60. 5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising about 0.1% to about 10% of an oil that reduces tackiness.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the oil is a silicone oil that has a viscosity of 100 cSt or less at 25° C.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the silicone oil has a viscosity of less than 10 cSt.
 8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a stable fatty alcohol thickener selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohols, stearyl alcohols, behenyl alcohols and combinations thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one additional skin care active selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, peptides, sugar amines, sunscreens, oil control agents, flavonoid compounds, anti-oxidants, protease inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizing agents, exfoliating agents, skin lightening agents, anti-acne agents, anti-wrinkle agents, phytosterols, N-acyl amino acid compounds, antimicrobials, antifungals, and combinations thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the vitamin B₃ compound is niacinamide.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH is about 2.5 to about 4.5.
 12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the pH is about 3.5 to about 4.3.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition exhibits a TRPV1 activation of less than about 10% according to the TRPV1 assay.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of an essence that has a viscosity of about 1 cP to about 30000 cP at 25° C.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the low-pH buffer system further comprises an additional acid buffering agent selected from lactic acid, lactobionic acid, and maltobionic acid and an additional salt buffering agent selected from sodium lactate, calcium lactate gluconate, potassium lactate, zinc lactate, and potassium gluconate.
 16. A low-pH skin care composition, comprising: a. about 0.1% to 10% of a vitamin B₃ compound; b. about 0.1% to 10% of a low-pH buffering system comprising an acid buffering agent selected from gluconic acid, lactobionic acid, and maltobionic acid and a salt buffering agent selected from sodium gluconate, calcium lactate gluconate, potassium lactate and potassium gluconate; c. about 0.1% to 5% of a polymer thickener comprising at least one of sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate and polyacrylate crosspolymer-6; and d. wherein the pH of the composition is between about 2.0 and about 5.0.
 17. The composition of claim 16, further comprising at least one of lactic acid and sodium lactate.
 18. A method of cosmetically treating skin, comprising: identifying a target portion of skin where treatment is desired; and applying an effective amount of the composition of claim 1 to the target portion of skin over the course of a treatment period.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the composition exhibits a TRPV1 activation of less than about 10% according to the TRPV1 assay.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the composition causes no noticeable skin irritation to the target portion of skin during the treatment period. 